Everything You Need To See, Eat And Do In Kawana (2026 Edition)
If your idea of a good holiday involves fewer logistics and more playing it by ear, Kawana’s where it’s at. Everything you’ll want to do is close by, so the area doesn’t demand much planning once you arrive.
With calm waterways on one side and a wide, pristine beach on the other, this part of the Sunshine Coast makes it easy to settle in quickly. It suits families, works well for groups (particularly those comprising Type A and Type B friends), and leaves enough room for plans to change halfway through the day without everything falling apart.
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Stay
Mercure Kawana Waters
Set directly on the edge of Lake Kawana, Mercure Kawana Waters works best as a base rather than just a place to sleep. The hotel sits alongside walking paths that loop the lake, making morning walks and casual laps easy to work into the day, while Kawana Beach and Bok Beach Dining’s dining precinct are only a short drive away.
Rooms feel modern and practical, particularly if you’re staying more than a night or travelling with a crew. On-site parking and straightforward road access make it easy to venture around the Sunshine Coast without constantly recalculating travel time, which is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to perks. Frankly, you could spend the entire trip gazing out at the lake from the Mercure’s deck and have no regrets.
Bokarina Accomodation
Set in the heart of the Bokarina Beach precinct, Bokarina Accommodation isn’t just a place to rest your head—it’s your gateway to a laid-back beachside stay. Most apartments are just a short stroll from the shoreline, with partial or full ocean views that make morning coffees and sunset wind-downs feel effortless.
With one- to four-bedroom options, there’s plenty of space whether you’re travelling solo, with family, or as a group. And with Bok Beach Dining’s cafes and eateries right on your doorstep, settling into Kawana’s relaxed café culture and vibrant local dining scene comes naturally.
Eat & Drink
Wildflower Kitchen Bar And Grill
Located within Mercure, Wildflower Kitchen Bar & Grill is handy in the best way. Like a supportive friend, it’s there when you arrive late, or when you want a delectable meal without committing to a bigger night out.
The menu runs from breakfast through dinner depending on the day, however the char-grilled sirloin steak is a must-taste for dinner. Paired with fluffy potatoes and parsley butter, plus light sauces that don’t overcomplicate the plate, it’s the kind of meal that feeds the soul.
Bok Beach Dining
Bok Beach Dining has quickly become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most convenient places to eat. Restaurants are clustered closely together, and the overall atmosphere suits relaxed decision-making rather than tightly scheduled bookings.
It’s an ideal spot for groups with mixed tastes or travellers who don’t research the menu six weeks in advance. There’s something about the chill energy in the Sunshine Coast that truly makes people slow down and unclench.
Bocca Italian
At Bocca Italian, the menu leans into familiar Italian favourites with its own unique pizazz. The dining room is polished but not too formal, making it equally suitable for group dinners or long lunches that drift into the evening.
The linguine alla marinara should be a go-to order for seafood fans, built around a rich tomato sugo base, with garlic and chilli that add depth without overwhelming the dish. The portions alone will satiate you for hours and fuel your inevitable night out.
Playa Mexican
A short walk away, Playa Mexican offers a livelier, slightly more casual alternative. The space is designed for sharing tables and plates, and the energy stays upbeat without becoming overwhelming, which is frankly perfect for the easily stimulated travel buddy.
The slow-cooked pork tacos are the standout, generously filled and well-seasoned, making them easy to split across the table. They work particularly well for groups who want to order broadly and keep things moving, rather than settling into a long, formal meal.
Wallace And Wood
Wallace and Wood is the place to head for something sweet or caffeinated while moving through Bok Beach Dining. It works just as well as a planned destination as it does a quick replenishment between meals.
Plus, if you’re curious to catch the matcha craze, this is the perfect chance to try ceremonial-grade iced matchas, from classic flavours to seasonal twists like blueberry and gingerbread.
Kawana Surf Club
Kawana Surf Club remains a familiar and comforting eatery for a lot of Kawana’s locals. So much so that you may just catch a glimpse of two people tying the knot if you stick around for a pint or two.
The menu sticks to classic surf club fare, which is exactly what many visitors want after time at the beach. The chicken parmigiana is our top choice, served in a portion size that matches post-swim appetites and dripping with bubbling, oozing, cheesy goodness.
Slipstream Social House Birtinya
In nearby Birtinya, Slipstream Social House is a space well-suited to afternoon catch-ups that, naturally, start with a jug of ice-cold beer.
The hazy pale ale is a popular starting point, while the fried chicken burger provides enough substance to keep things balanced. Seating is casual and flexible, making it easy to drop in without committing to a full evening plan.
Your Mates Brewing
Your Mates Brewing is often heaving with the energy of a strong local crowd. It’s the kind of place where conversations overlap, and dogs are welcome (perfect for those who yearn to pet every animal within arm’s reach).
Larry Pale Ale remains the go-to across the taps, and the brisket-loaded toastie is unlike anything your taste buds have experienced.
Green Zebra
You can find Green Zebra in Double Bay Park, which focuses on produce-driven dishes that shift with the seasons. The setting makes it a natural daytime option, particularly if you’re spending time outdoors before or after eating.
The spiced roasted pumpkin with portobello mushrooms, taleggio, walnuts and salsa verde served alongside crispy polenta is a consistent favourite, offering a saliva-inducing option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Vrina Mezze And Bar
Also located at Double Bay Park, Vrina Mezze and Bar specialises in share-style dining in a festive, delightfully decorated venue.
The saganaki is best ordered early, arriving crisp and golden, served with sizzling honey and thyme syrup, before moving into hearty skewers, salads and dips. You’ll likely pass hours grazing and gasbagging without even realising, AKA heaven, to some of us.
Things To Do
Kawana Night Markets And Artisan Markets
Held on the last Friday of each month at Kevin Asmus Park, Kawana Night Markets and Artisan Markets bring together street food and live music set against a stunning pink-orange sky.
It’s an easy evening option that encourages people to let their hair down and take a beat to appreciate that, sometimes, the simple things in life truly are the best. Good food, good tunes, good company, what else could you ask for?
Kawana Beach
Kawana Beach is long, open and less congested than some of the coasts more heavily trafficked spots. There’s room to swim without feeling boxed in, and patrols make it suitable for all walks of life.
Conditions are generally reliable, with mornings and late afternoons offering the most comfortable windows in the warmer months.
Lake Kawana And Waterways
Lake Kawana is an easy way to stay active without committing to a full beach day.
The surrounding waterways provide a perfect environment for paddleboarding and kayaking, particularly in the mornings when the water is calm. The loop around the lake is also popular for walking and cycling, with shaded sections that make it manageable throughout the day if you just want to lie down and lose yourself in a smutty book.
Double Bay Park
Double Bay Park operates as a community hub, combining green space with practical amenities. Exercise equipment, undercover BBQ areas and playgrounds make it a hotspot for those with young ones, while a regular calendar of events keeps things lively. Be sure to check out what’s happening before you arrive, as you may miss out on some genuine bonding experiences with the locals.
Its proximity to cafes and restaurants also makes it easy to build a low-effort afternoon around the area, so slow-movers can rejoice.
Sunshine Coast Stadium
Sunshine Coast Stadium is a major drawcard for sporting showdowns and touring concerts. Event nights bring a noticeable buzz to the area, and its location close to accommodation and dining makes it easy to build an evening around whatever tickles your fancy.
It’s worth checking the calendar when planning a trip, especially if you enjoy tying a holiday to a nail-biting grand final.
Venue 114
Venue 114 is a jack-of-all-trades, spanning live music, comedy, theatre and community performances. The venue attracts both touring acts and local productions, giving it a varied feel throughout the year.
It’s a useful option for anchoring an evening beyond dining, particularly if you’re staying nearby and need to switch off from the real world in exchange for a night of chortles.
To slot a Kawana trip into the cal for 2026, start planning with Visit Sunshine Coast pronto.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Visit Sunshine Coast and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image: Supplied.